A "Canadian" Problem with WLS

In Canada, if you qualify, your weight loss surgery (WLS) is "free". You pay your provincial health premiums and any surgery, health care or doctor access if covered. Once WLS is deemed as "essential" or "necessary" in your specific case, the surgery will be covered by the provincial health care. However, there are some problems with the system as highlighted in a recent article (view the entire article here).

...if there is a bias against weight-loss surgery in Canada, there’s “almost a repugnance regarding the surgical care of patients after massive weight loss,” says Dr. Vivian McAlister, a London, Ont. surgeon.

In a recent review of Body Contouring After Massive Weight Loss — the first ever textbook on the issue, edited by Iowa City surgeon Dr. Al Aly, a leader in the field — McAlister says it seems “negligent” to offer surgery to help people lose weight “without following through with the surgery that restores mobility, increases comfort and allows for the full participation of patients in society.”

The most common thing Aly hears from patients is, “I’ve lost the weight. My health is better. But I still look and feel fat, because of all this hanging skin.”

The article goes on to say that in the US post-op skin removal is a booming business that is growing rapidly. This is something I will be looking into further especially with my specific surgeon. In Alberta there are only 3 surgeons in the entire province that perform WLS, and only one (not in my City) that does them laprascopically (with the camera and small insert holes vs. a large opening and a large scar). I have opted at 32 years of age to go with laprascopic surgery if at all possible - hey! I've got a lotta living to do still!